Moving Gracefully

Executed in 1965, Moving Gracefully is an exceptional example of Mohammed Ghani Hikmat’s elegant sculptural oeuvre. His sculptural prowess reflects the essence of Iraq itself. Notably, his smaller-scale wooden sculptures, marked by their simplicity and abstract allure, often feature women draped in traditional Iraqi Abayas. This poignant representation reflects Ghani's fascination with motherhood as an artistic motif, vividly illustrated by the present work. Drawing inspiration from the shapes of traditional Baghdadi tombstones and driven by his longstanding interest in Renaissance Humanism, the present work skillfully captures Ghani's characteristic fusion of Eastern and Western influences.

Hikmat was a prolific sculptor and pioneer of Iraqi Modernism. His enduring influence resonates profoundly through the numerous public monuments that grace Iraq's cities today, serving as a testament to his commitment to restoring the beauty of his beloved yet wounded nation. Emerging from the creative heart of Baghdad, Hikmat played a pivotal role as a member of the Baghdad Modern Art Group, a collective founded by luminaries Shakir Hassan Al Said and Jewad Selim. Together, they sought to create a unique artistic language by blending Modernist techniques with Iraqi heritage, drawing inspiration from Abbasid-era manuscripts, Islamic motifs, and the ancient Sumerian and Babylonian monuments. Amid this political context, Hikmat used his art to transcend individuality to craft a unified and unmistakably Iraqi identity.